About Happy Tails Service Dogs

Happy Tails Service Dogs Training is dedicated to the education and training of a person with a physical disability and a dog to become a working team. This in turn will lead to greater independence in their homes, neighborhoods and communities. Learned tasks are based on individual needs of the owner, thus enhancing their daily activities.

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Diane and Zoe

Team #71 – that is how we are listed on the roster of graduates. Let me tell you a little more about Team #71.

Back in 2013,God saw fit to bring a four-footed reject into my life. This beautiful spirit was thrown out in the desert and rescued by some wonderful people. I personally felt like I had also been thrown out in the desert since I had recently moved here from Maryland – away from friends and family. Her paperwork listed her as skittish and fearful – mine would have read the same. Little did I know that this creature was brought into my life at a time when I was soon to be diagnosed with not one but two damaged hips that needed to be replaced. I was already diagnosed with degenerative disc disorder and in time would be facing back surgery. (Actually thought the hips were fine!) I was here alone and realized that I would have a lot of difficulty prior to and following surgery. Enter Happy Tails. I had to put trust into a dog I had just adopted and a group of strangers I did not know. Plus I had to drive all over creation for the classes. I was a nervous wreck each week since I do not travel outside of my comfort zone and this stretched me!! I can not say enough about the compassion and caring I found from the members of the class and the instructors. I must add that the bond between me and Zoe grew exponentially each week. We both just needed to feel loved and accepted and we found that through Happy Tails.
Zoe lives to please me and she continues to do this on a daily basis. It appears that her job description has changed somewhat from a service dog that assists with mobility and balance to one that now alerts me when I am about to have an episode and black out. I am presently undergoing tests to see what is going on and Zoe is still my most valuable asset.She seems to know before I do when changes are coming on.

She has also taken on the role of mentor to a lab puppy ( reluctantly,I am afraid) Jake is now 6 months old and picking up a lot of Zoe’s demeanor. I am so blessed. I owe a lot to this organization and to this animal but mostly to my Lord who has me in the palm of His hand and provides my every need.